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Croft Architecture Blog

Croft Architecture is growing!

We're delighted to welcomeMark Millerto our dynamic team here at Croft Architecture. Mark has joined us to provide additional architectural support for our increasing client base.

Mark is an experienced Architect, qualifying back in 2012. During both his studies and professional career he has gainedextensive experienceacross a wide range of sectors includinghealthcare, residential, education, commercial and also conservation projects.

Mark grew up with close family members actively working within the design and construction industry, one grandfather was a quantity surveyor and his other grandfather successfully ran his own building company for many years.

The strong family ties within the sector, coupled with Mark's enthusiasm and interest for design, buildings and construction, inspired him from a young age to develop his skills and strive towards a career in architecture.

A passion for design

Mark's passion for design and architecture led him to The University of Liverpoolto embark on his undergraduate degree and begin his route to qualification. After successfully completing his RIBA Part 1, Mark continued his RIBA Part 2 studies at The University of Liverpool, beginning his Stage 2 Practical experience locally in Stafford. He was subsequently secured a role with a larger architectural practice to where he returned to Liverpool.

Working with a large multidisciplinary practice whilst completing his Part 2 practical experience provided Mark the opportunity to work on a variety of projects in many sectors of work, and also projects that were much larger in size and value.

This scope and size of work presented Mark with the opportunity to gain a wealth of experience as a student architect. He worked on a range of residential, leisure and conservation projects including a master planning project for a redevelopment of the Edge Lane residential area in Liverpool.

As a student Mark was fascinated by his involvement on numerous projects of all scales, in such a great depth, from start to finish and at every stage of the design process. This early experience has not only facilitated his educational progress but also his professional development in practice.

Climate change and thereduction of carbon emissions is a current and ongoing consideration within building design, and Mark chose this area of concern to focus and direct his studies. He developed a strong knowledge of the subject area and this led him to academic success during his RIBA Part 2 studies, where his Thesis work was awarded an R.Shepherd Sustainability Award.

It was clear thatMark was the obvious choice for our growing team here atCroft Architecture. He has the experience, passion and proficiency to deliver a successful project through every stage of the design process, fromsmall scale projects tomulti-million pound developments.

Some of Mark’s previous projects have included:

Master planning and detailed designs for the redevelopment of Edge Lane, Liverpool.

Numerous projects for the NHS including the design and refurbishment of health centres and hospitals, including the design of the layout and pod concept for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This project reached the finals of the AJ Retrofit Award in 2014.

Restoration and conservation of listed buildings, ensuring that detailed, sensitive and suitable design solutions were achieved and produced onsite.

Design Ethos

From his studies, travels and work experience Mark appreciates all architectural styles and techniques, historic and current. Mark favours a more contemporary style admiring architects such as Le Corbusier, who implement strong crisp lines and minimalist forms into their designs.

Mark is very conscientious that a style has to reflect each individual project and he believes it is essential for the scheme to work in context, creating an aesthetically pleasing building that’s an enjoyable space to use and function as intended into the future.

Mark particularlyenjoys meeting with clients and working closely with them to identify what they need and want from their project.

He appreciates that no two projects are alike, no matter how similar they may be. He thinks it’s essential to work closely with clients to ‘get into their mindset’, to interpret their requirements through great design, understanding and exceeding their project aspirations.

On the drawing board

Mark is currently working on two residential projects, one is to alter a home to create access for a client with impaired mobility and the second project, Mark is also designing a new garden room that opens up the existing property, to the seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor living space for the client.

Mark was excited to join Croft Architecture and we’re extremely pleased to have him as part of our growing team of architects. We’re looking forward to the knowledge and experience he brings to theexciting range of projects that we have in the office and he’s already been proving a great addition to the team.

Welcome aboard Mark!

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